Steve Cotterill's already said that he wants, and needs, to bring in some reinforcements in the New Year when the transfer window reopens. Not that he's giving anything away! In fact Cotterill's told the Official Website he'll not be talking publicly about rumours liking Bristol City with this and that player as he doesn't think it'll help the players he does have if he's constantly talking about others he's apparently looking to bring in. 'The last thing they want to read, after I've spent Monday to Friday coaching them, encouraging them, trying to improve them and give them the confidence to go out on that pitch and keep going, is me saying who I'm bringing in to take their place in the team. They are giving everything for the club and what they are taking is tough. I'm with them all the way and they will always have me backing them, no matter what.' He'll have targets, and will be keen (as said) to bring in a player or two but they'll be to compliment what he has not to replace, as such, those already at Ashton Gate. Cotterill added he'll back his players as they're 'his players' and he believes in them but they need a 'bit of help' too, which is where new recruits come in. 'They are a quality group of young individuals who are going through a rough time at the moment. But I'll back them, because it is the right thing to do, even if it as at my own expense sometimes. These players are my players and I love them to death. They just need a little bit of help.'
I think we have a squad of 22 whereas Preston have 29. We have been extremely lucky with injuries this season but the numbers don't add up for a "we must not fail" campaign. We need at least 3 or 4 new players
That's what I had hoped for too. It will be very interesting to see how ambitious the club is to stay in this league.
SC is to close to 'his boys'. It's worrying how he perseveres with our leading no hopers. We are rueing not coughing up for a Keeper (eg Bentley) last summer. From the first game at Sheff Wed, Fielding's been a disaster waiting to happen. His epic performances at Derby and Burnley were the latest nightmares. Any other manager would have dropped him but they'd have never picked him in the first place. All we have is a teenager as cover. The other no hoper is Williams who's slow, can't turn and basically terrified of the ball. Bryan, might not be as good as we'd hoped yet, but is still better in all aspects of the game. Moan all you like about the 'Packs' of this world but he's twice Fielding and Williams. They are that bad. If we don't get 3 or 4 in, especially a striker, and those 2 are still in the side at the end of the window then I think relegation is certain.
It's the ultimate wish for a manager to have a group of honest players that will die for the cause and for each other, but being too matey with them is suicide and is something I always accused Millen of.
The next few weeks is almost a last chance saloon scenario for the folks down at Ashton Gate to prove they are capable of not only proving they know what they are doing, but also doing what they know needs to be done. It's an interesting situation and the moves made, or not made, during this transfer window could have a long lasting effect on future season ticket sales and the desire of some of us older brigade to throw in the towel for good. Sitting on the fence waiting for nothing to happen has taken it's toll over the years.
Frank Fielding is championship quality and chasing another keeper is a waste of time when you have bigger issues with the squad Sent from my D6603 using Tapatalk
Sorry he is not championship,does not command the box,does not handle crosses well,distribution is poor. No presence in the penalty area. Good shot stopper. One of the weak links.
His distribution is getting better and he gets moat things in the box. You cant catch everything Sent from my D6603 using Tapatalk
I think frank is the least of our worries, he does his job and is Championship quality. He gets what goalies in a couple of games get in one game because our defence is so crap
At least our goalkeeper doesn't get the abuse that a certain one did at Charlton in the mid sixties because every time the ball was crossed in to the penalty area the entire crowd went WHOOPS! I believe he arrived at Charlton from Poole Town and I can't remember his name but his life at the Valley was somewhat miserable.
'Sorry he is not championship,does not command the box,does not handle crosses well,distribution is poor. No presence in the penalty area' And his anticipation and indecision is worse. 'He gets what goalies in a couple of games get in one game' 4 shots on target against Burnley - 4 goals scored. Have a look at their 3rd - He's utterly useless. Don't blame him for their 4th - check the other weak link, Derek Williams. He was slower than a Weston Donkey and should have stopped the cross. 'I think frank is the least of our worries' Fielding and a lack of striker is our biggest worry. By far.
Agree with you above,but there are also big problems elsewhere. I cannot believe a team that walked the division last season,can struggle so much a division up. There has to be blame over and above the players and that stops at the manager.
'I cannot believe a team that walked the division last season,can struggle so much a division up' Isn't that exactly what SC and the Board thought last summer and has proved conclusively to be wrong. The gap between L1 and the Championship is huge, 13 clubs in the Championship receive Prem money. I pity the likes of Burton, Gillingham, Walsall should they be promoted to the Championship. There are always the odd exception but I don't think they'll have a prayer.
SL have realised this and decided (like Brighton) that an improved stadium will generate the revenue to improve the team. While I still do not understand the financial model I assume an additional benefit will be that the football club do not pick the tab for the stadium costs. SL should let us know how the PULA operates.
Several months ago Lansdown has admitted he was naïve. Now that's all very honest and noble for the bloke to admit, but it's still a shocking thing to say out loud, and to me proves he is totally out of touch with the reality of Championship football, wages, skill levels and most importantly, that he went into this crucial season with his eyes wide shut.
